The Intersection of Trauma, Heart Health & Healing

Trauma and Your Heart: More Connected Than You Think

Heart Month: Heart and Trauma Connection

💙 February is Heart Month—a time to raise awareness about cardiovascular health. But when we talk about heart health, we often overlook one of its biggest influences: trauma.

As a Trauma Awareness Educator & Coach, Certified Health & Life Coach and a Registered Cardiology Technologist, I’ve seen the connection between trauma and heart health from both a scientific and psychological perspective.

The truth? Our hearts don’t just respond to diet, exercise, and genetics—they also carry the weight of our lived experiences.

Bridging Science & Trauma Awareness

Let's take a look at:

✔️ What science tells us about trauma and heart health

✔️ Practical ways to regulate the nervous system for a healthier heart

✔️ Strategies to break the cycle of stress before it affects your health

The Connection Between Trauma and Heart Health: What You Need to Know

The link between trauma and heart health is more profound than many realize. When the body experiences trauma—whether from childhood adversity, a life-altering event, or ongoing stress—our nervous system often remains in a heightened state of alert. This chronic activation of the stress response can have serious consequences for heart health over time.

And I know this firsthand as a trauma survivor, living with the symptoms of PTSD, AND through witnessing these symptoms in my patients during my 13 year cardiology focused career in healthcare as a technologist. This is not just my professional specialty, it is also my own personal experience.

Registered Cardiology Technologist, Trauma Awareness Educator, Trauma Recovery Coach, Health and Life Coach

What Science Tells Us About Trauma and Heart Health

Trauma triggers the body's fight-or-flight response, flooding the system with stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.

While this response is essential for survival in the short term, prolonged activation can contribute to:

• Increased blood pressure and heart rate, putting extra strain on the cardiovascular system.

  
  

• Inflammation, which has been linked to conditions such as heart disease and stroke.

  
  

• Disruptions in heart rate variability (HRV), an important indicator of overall heart health and resilience.

  
  

• A higher risk of developing conditions like hypertension, arrhythmias, and metabolic disorders. Studies also show that individuals with unresolved trauma are more likely to experience emotional dysregulation, anxiety, and depression—all of which can negatively impact heart function.

Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward breaking the cycle and improving long-term health outcomes.

Practical Ways to Regulate the Nervous System for a Healthier Heart

Managing the nervous system is key to reducing the impact of trauma on heart health. Here are some science-backed strategies to help regulate stress and support your heart:

✔️ Breathwork: Deep, slow breathing exercises (such as diaphragmatic breathing or box breathing) can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and stabilizing heart rate.

✔️ Grounding Techniques: Engaging the senses—walking barefoot on the earth, holding a comforting object, or using sensory stimulation like cold water therapy—can help calm an overactive nervous system.

✔️ Mindful Movement: Practices like yoga, tai chi, and gentle stretching can reduce cortisol levels and improve heart rate variability, promoting cardiovascular and emotional balance.

✔️ Nervous System Reset Techniques: Activities such as progressive muscle relaxation, humming, or engaging in bilateral stimulation (such as tapping or rhythmic movement) can help shift the body out of a stress response.

✔️ Healthy Social Connections: Supportive relationships and community engagement have been shown to lower stress levels and improve heart health by increasing feelings of safety and connection.

Breaking the Cycle of Stress (or unresolved trauma) Before It Affects Your Health

The key to protecting your heart from trauma-related stress is early intervention and consistent self-regulation practices.

Recognizing triggers, developing daily habits that promote relaxation, and seeking professional support when needed can all contribute to long-term heart and nervous system health.

By understanding the connection between trauma and your heart, you can take proactive steps toward healing. Small, intentional practices can make a significant difference in both your emotional and physical well-being.

For more insights and practical tools, stay connected with Aware NL and explore our upcoming resources, workshops, and training opportunities.

Healing isn’t just about the mind—it’s about caring for your heart, too. Remember, the body really does keep the score!